Just 22% of tenants have asked their landlords for help in making their accommodation more energy efficient, instead turning to internet searches (44%) or friends and family (39%) for energy saving. As a result, nearly a quarter of tenants are unsure how to take basic measures to save energy in their homes by adjusting their radiators, while a worrying 14% do not know where their thermostat is.
To overcome the taboo of talking to your landlord, the NRLA has launched a new initiative, called "Home Bank," to help landlords and tenants save energy together. Backed by Sonnaz Nooranvary, TV presenter and upholstery expert, the NRLA Home Bank campaign encourages tenants and landlords to discuss low-cost ways to save energy and stay warm.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA comments: “Both landlords and tenants are struggling with the cost of living crisis, so by communicating and working together in practical ways, they can share some benefits from improving energy efficiency and making rental accommodation more comfortable in these coldest months."
One of the simplest ways tenants can save energy is to fit correctly adjusted thermal curtains which can cut heat loss by up to 10%. Other simple and effective ways to save energy are draught-proofing around windows and doors which could save around £60 a year on energy bills and draught-proofing open chimneys when not in use which could save around £90 a year.
The first Home Bank event was held in Birmingham, the city with the second-highest proportion of families in rental accommodation outside of London. Sonnaz and local volunteers manned a stall at the famous Rag Market, handing tips and free home energy-saving furnishings.
Councillor Thompson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, Birmingham City Council comments: “As a council, we are pleased to support the launch of the NRLA’s Home Bank. I hope this stall will act as a real one-stop shop for tenants and landlords to find out about what is available."
There are an estimated 1.656 million lower-income households living in private rented accommodation across the UK4. In time, the NRLA hopes that the Home Bank will act as a model that can be adopted in some of the other major cities across England and Wales.
Home Bank energy saving tips from Sonnaz Nooranvary
To help tenants improve the energy efficiency of their homes, Sonnaz Nooranvary has created eight top tips for simple and quick ways to help keep rented accommodation warmer this winter:
Better-fitted curtains - Installing window curtains is a simple way to save, but they must be fitted correctly. Adjusting curtains to the correct length and avoiding covering radiators is key.
Interlining your curtains - If you don’t have interlined curtains and they are lined you may be able to add a layer of interlining yourself to existing curtains in between the lining and the front fabric.
Fit blinds beyond the recess - Fit Roman blinds to the face of the wall overhanging and covering the window opening instead of fitting into the recess - any cold air coming in from the window could be stopped from the overhang of the blind. Opt for a thermal interlined blind if you can.
Think cosier underfoot - Hard surfaces mean more heat is lost through the floor. Carpet remnants can be easily adapted into rugs for a cosier home and making it cosier underfoot.
Cover external doors - Adding draught excluder tape to the inside of the door frame and putting up an over-door curtain can make a huge difference. Using a simple pole and clip system could be the quickest and easiest way to install this for a medium-weight fabric.
Mind your gaps - Draught excluders to go at the base of internal doors are quick and easy to make with remnant fabrics or by upcycling old clothing or throws. Be sure to make them slightly bigger than the doorway so that they fit snugly.
Make space for your radiators - Try to avoid placing furniture like chairs and sofas in front of radiators - it might be a great opportunity to have a rejig of the layout of your room too if you can.
Cosy up with cushions and covers made from natural fabrics - Adding cushions to sofas and chairs can provide some additional warmth. Opt for a natural fabric like wool - not only do they look attractive, they are warmer to the touch and so warm quickly.
